Better Medicine

Type 2 Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the Western world. Much of the emphasis in the medical community is based on medications for ‘treating’ Diabetes and oftentimes the discussion of diet and lifestyle gets left behind. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Janel Gordon about using a plant-based diet to improve and reverse your Type 2 Diabetes. Yes, reversing your Type 2 Diabetes is possible contrary to what we were taught in medical school. I hope you find this discussion beneficial. We discuss: - Her background starting in Lifestyle Medicine and how that translates into practice.  - What is the role of diet in type 2 diabetes? - What she recommends to patients when she talks to them about type 2 diabetes management.  - What aspects of diet do we get wrong when talking about Type 2 Diabetes  - A few case studies of patients with Type 2 Diabetes that have benefited from diet changes.  Guest Bio: Dr. Janel Gordon, M.D., DipABOM, DipABLM, is a Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician. Dr. Gordon is certified in Plant-based Nutrition by the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and Cornell University. She is certified in Culinary Coaching by Harvard Medical School, The Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Gordon was recently selected as a Leading Physician Well-being Fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians, through which she is receiving further training in leadership development, program development, and quality improvement. Dr. Gordon has special interests in culinary medicine, food security, community development, and sustainable efforts. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and discovering delicious and nutritious foods near and far. Connect with Dr. Gordon https://www.linkedin.com/in/janel-gordon-md-dipabom-dipablm-18ba339b/ https://www.instagram.com/janelgordonmd/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/ 

Millions of Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea or another Sleep-related breathing disorder. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, Diabetes, smoking, etc. have all led to a higher incidence of sleep apnea. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are essential to improving health and preventing unwanted complications such as heart failure, worsening high blood pressure, lower androgen levels, strokes, heart attacks, and even a shorter lifespan! Furthermore, those patients who are already getting treated with a CPAP still struggle and the causes of that are often not discussed. In this podcast episode, I speak with Dr. Audrey Wells, a sleep medicine physician, and expert in this area. You won’t want to miss this. We discuss: What are the different stages of sleep and their importance? What is considered good sleep? What are the main things we can do to improve sleep hygiene? What are the different types of sleep-related breathing disorders? What are the best diagnostic tests for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?  What about the Validity of WatchPat, night owl, etc.? What to do if sleep isn't good despite using a CPAP? Efficacy of sleep tracking devices such as Oura Ring etc.  Guest Bio Dr. Audrey Wells is a seasoned sleep medicine physician and professional mindset coach. She is on a mission to help people with sleep apnea get fully treated without sacrificing comfort. She offers a comprehensive library of self-directed courses, a group coaching program, and a private Facebook community. There are free educational resources and more on her website SuperSleepMD.com.  Connect with Dr. Wells Website: www.supersleepmd.com Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/ 

Chronic pain affects so many people in this country and now those numbers are rising due to symptoms from Long COVID. Pain is extremely common after COVID and many patients suffer continued symptoms without effective relief. My guest today deals with this on a daily basis and aims to help patients overcome their chronic pain. We had a fascinating discussion about all things related to pain and what the best strategies are to tackle these complex issues. We discuss: 1. Pain symptoms after COVID - are they real? 2. The truth about steroids, i.e. cortisone and their use. 3. Back pain - the many causes and what can be done about it? 4. What is an epidural injection? 5. Some common causes of hip pain and how best to manage them. Guest Bio: Ramesh M. Singa, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician with the team at Republic Spine and Pain in Georgetown, Leander, and Austin, Texas.  After completing his undergrad and graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, anesthesiology residency at RWJ Barnabas, and pain medicine fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, Dr. Singa practiced interventional pain management and anesthesiology in California for four years. He and his wife then moved to Texas in 2021. Connect with Dr. Singa Website: https://www.treatpainnow.com/provider/ramesh-singa-md Instagram: www.instagram.com/doc.singa Youtube: www.youtube.com/@docsinga Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

With our rates of chronic disease rising and particularly affecting our youth, it’s now more important than ever to discuss preconception health. Not only among women but also among MEN too. Men rarely get included in the conversation when it comes to preconception health and it’s really the health of the couple combined that should be looked at. This episode talks about epigenetics - what it is and why it is important, as well as the main tips to improve your preconception health and by extension, the health of your children. You definitely want to hear Abby giving her expertise on this topic! We discuss: Abby’s background in nursing and journey to Preconception health. Why is Preconception health important? What are epigenetics and why is it important for preconception? What are some tips to improve your health before conception? Why is it important for men to consider their health as well before conception? What genetics tests can be done to further evaluate health before conception? Guest Bio: Abby Hand, MSN, RN is a Preconception Health Coach and soon-to-be published author. She specializes in helping women and couples get healthy, before getting pregnant. Abby supports clients using current research, traditional medicine, and natural philosophies. Additionally, she incorporates positive psychology, biometric tracking, epigenetics, and other valuable tools into her complex systems approach to coaching. She also draws on her own autoimmune disease and pregnancy experiences to empower folks and help them navigate the quagmire of perinatal and chronic disease care. Abby believes optimizing the health of both parents prior to conception helps build strong families and communities, creating a healthier, more resilient world. Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Medical students don't get taught about breast implant illness. I certainly didn't. The number of women suffering from breast implant illness has really surprised me and came to my attention after I saw a few patients with this illness. It’s something that does not get talked about often and it's difficult for women suffering to bring this up with their physicians because of a lack of knowledge and awareness around this issue. The last few years have seen a large number of studies published around breast implant illness so the awareness is increasing, but more needs to be done. The women going through this illness can find help and healing. I hope this discussion today sheds some more light and education on this issue of breast implant illness. We discuss: Sarah’s journey with Breast Implant Illness (BII). What is Breast Implant Illness and its main mechanisms? How do genetics affect the chances of getting this illness? Is there a way to diagnose BII? Why is there no disclosure of the toxic ingredients in implants? What role does explant have in treatment? What does the journey after the explant look like? What is the emotional impact of this illness Message to those suffering from BII Guest Bio: Sarah has a passion for restoring health that has taken her along a path from RN, to becoming a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Breast Implant Illness and Detox Expert. She believes the solution to Reversing Breast Implant illness is about more than just the explant and that we all need to take personal responsibility for restoring our health by addressing all of the root causes that contribute to chronic illness. It is Sarah’s belief that the body has an innate desire to heal if given what it needs, and she focuses on teaching women how to unlock that innate intelligence and heal themselves. Connect with Sarah Phillipe Website: https://reversingbreastimplantillness.com FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/reversingbreastimplantillness Private FB Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/reversingbreastimplantillness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reversingbreastimplantillness/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/reversingbreastimplantillness/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

There are two types of tendon dysfunction - tendonitis (reactive inflammation due to overloading) and tendinopathy (chronic tissue deformation due to chronic overload and no remodeling program). Recovery from these are not always straightforward. Generally, people tend to do  “too much too soon after doing too little for too long”. That results in delayed healing time and continued inflammation. The inflammatory phase in a tissue injury is typically 10 days and during that time we can take some steps to improve our recovery. The acronym RICE which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation is no longer applicable and instead, a new acronym called PEACE & LOVE is being applied with greater results. We discuss all that and more today! We discuss: The most common regions of injury including the Achilles, patellar tendon, plantar fascia, rotator cuff (supraspinatus), and wrist extensors (tennis elbow). Generally how people do “too much too soon after doing too little for too long”, and how that can be more harmful than beneficial. Two types of tendon dysfunction – tendonitis (reactive inflammation due to overloading) and tendinopathy (chronic tissue deformation due to chronic overload and no remodeling program) How the acronym PEACE & LOVE has superseded RICE in the preferred way to heal these injuries. What are Isometric, Eccentric, and Concentric contractions, and what are examples of each? Guest Bio: Dr. Courtney Clark has a doctorate in Physical therapy and she is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. She is also the clinic director at East riverside results PT. She has a great passion for orthopedic care and in-depth knowledge of the science of pain and pain management. She uses an individualized approach to each patient. She lives in south Austin and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. Connect with Dr. Clark Website: https://www.resultspt.com/east-riverside-austin-texas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-courtney-clark-692577a1/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Health coaching. What is it? Why is it important? And what are its components? As some of you may know, I have a practice in Austin, TX where I see patients and practice Integrative or Functional Medicine. One key thing I’m excited to now add is health coaching. And Robyn Bergesen, who I speak to on the podcast, has joined my team for that! This gives me a greater ability to affect change in my patients when it comes to making diet and lifestyle changes and I’m very excited to be able to offer it. More information on pricing and scheduling is available on my website at www.madinamedicine.com. We discuss: What is a health coach? Why are they important? What kinds of things do you focus on in a session? How do you structure the sessions for the best success? How diet and lifestyle play such an important role in improving chronic disease. Our plans for introducing Health Coaching in our practice with details on pricing and scheduling. Guest Bio: Robyn’s passion for functional health and wellness began over 10 years ago when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.  At only 18 years old, she was determined that there had to be another way to live the rest of her life than on countless rounds of steroids and antibiotics. She was lucky enough to find a functional practitioner who helped rebuild her health and educate her on how to maintain this level of wellness throughout her life. Since then she completed her degree at UT Austin, starting first as a dance major and then switching into sports management with a minor in business. She got her Health Coaching degree through the Institute for Functional Medicine and has spent the last year developing meaningful relationships with clients and working together toward a positive outcome. She has a strong passion for meeting people where they are and working towards their goals together. Connect with Robyn Bergesen Website: https://madinamedicine.com/healthcoaching/ Email: robyn@madinamedicine.com Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Chronic pain is a significant burden for so many patients and to our healthcare system. It’s even led to major public health issues such as the opioid crisis. For many patients and providers, the default approach is to use medications in a stepwise manner, gradually building up to some of the strongest medications available as well as trying different surgical approaches. These approaches do work for many patients, but what if a different approach could be tried? This discussion with Dr. Brityn Jowers revolves around pain reprocessing therapy and how we can try to address chronic pain at its root; the way we process the pain. We go deeper into the neuroscience of pain and how this alternative approach can be extremely effective, and limit the use of medications or procedures. If you or someone you know is suffering from pain, you definitely want to hear this discussion! We discuss: Her journey into Physical therapy and Pain Neuroscience. What is pain and the mechanism/science behind it? Where do our current approaches to pain fall short? What role do medications have in pain relief and the problems that arise by using them too much i.e. the opioid crisis? What is pain reprocessing therapy and why is it potentially superior to our current modalities? Some clinical cases she can share where this approach has been successfully implemented. Guest Bio: Dr. Brityn Jowers is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Therapeutic Pain Specialist. She is certified in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Certified as a Health & Life Coach. She is currently working in an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Silverdale, WA where she moved from Austin, Texas to pursue her growth in the field of Pain Neuroscience. Brityn is always studying materials regarding the human experience, societal/cultural patterns, the nervous system, neuroscience, trauma, development, spiritual teachings, meditation, healing, and the mind-body connection. She lives with her husband and 2 big dogs. Connect with Dr. Jowers Website: ​​https://www.painreprocessingtherapy.com/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Women’s hormone health is one of the most poorly understood areas in medicine, not only among patients but also among practitioners. There is a great deal of misinformation out there and as a result many women end up suffering from their symptoms. One of the conditions that causes the most suffering is Endometriosis, which we discuss today. Endometriosis, a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the uterus grow outside the uterus, causes painful and debilitating symptoms to many women. Oftentimes, an effective solution is not available for these women, prolonging their suffering. Dr. Tassone is one of those people aiming to treat these patients effectively and holistically to improve their quality of life! We discuss: His background, journey into OB/GYN and Functional medicine and why he chose that route? A little background on Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone; their functions and what types of imbalances you normally see with them. What is Endometriosis and why is it caused? What types of symptoms do we see with Endometriosis and how do we diagnose it? Conventional ways of treating Endometriosis vs. Integrative approaches. Brief discussion on bioidentical hormones for the average patient to hear. Guest Bio: Dr. Shawn Tassone, also known as America’s holistic gynecologist, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and by the American Board of Integrative Medicine. He holds a medical degree, in addition to a PhD in mind-body medicine. Dr. Tassone is a highly regarded patient advocate. His work includes studies and publications on spirituality in medical care, whole foods to heal the human body, and integrative medicine. Dr. Tassone works as an instructor for medical residents and students at the University of Arizona and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He even teaches integrative medicine at Arizona State University. As an Integrative health practitioner, Dr. Tassone believes that you should have an active role in your care. He’ll not only treat a certain symptom, but also your body as a whole. This method can help with prevention of chronic illness, as well as maintenance, so your body can heal itself. Tassone Gynecology is currently accepting new patients and accepts most major insurance plans. Connect with Dr. Tassone Website: https://www.drshawntassone.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tassonedoc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawntassonemd/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Have you ever looked at an ingredient label and felt completely overwhelmed? Like you don’t know what any of these ingredients are and which ones are good or bad for you? This discussion with Mira Dessy focuses on exactly that. When it comes to treating chronic disease in a holistic manner, diet plays a central role. But diet and everything around it can be so confusing nowadays. Being able to simplify it in a way that is understandable and applicable is crucial and Mira helps us do that. After listening, you’ll have your pantry positioned for success to live the healthiest life possible. We discuss: What role nutrition plays in the development and progression of chronic disease. What are the key principles for healthy eating when shopping for groceries? What are the main red flags to look for on the ingredient label. What are the common shortcomings in pantries and how can we work to improve them? How to design your meal planning around a busy lifestyle. How to help your children eat healthier. Guest Bio Mira Dessy is The Ingredient Guru. A holistic nutrition professional, author, and a popular public speaker, she knows that it's not just what you eat, but what's in what you eat.  Mira is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner who has been working with clients for over 16 years helping clients with chronic health issues find nourishing solutions for wellness. Mira is a member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, and the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Additionally, she is on the Board of Directors for the American Holistic Health Association and is a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Turner Syndrome Society.  She can be found online at theingredientguru.com Connect with Mira Website: https://theingredientguru.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theingredientguru/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miradessy/ The Ingredient Guru Community: https://community.theingredientguru.com/share/2QEFRHROEWMh5m6_?utm_source=manual Book: The Pantry Principle: https://www.amazon.com/The-Pantry-Principle-understand-really/dp/0988935708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362845144&sr=8-1&keywords=mira+dessy Connect with Dr. Akhter Website:  Email: Instagram: 

Hypermobility syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome are among some of the most poorly understood conditions in the medical field. A significant number of patients suffer from these and often do not know where to turn to get an accurate diagnosis, much less excellent treatment for these conditions. The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of hereditary disorders of connective tissue that are varied in the ways they affect the body and in their genetic causes. The underlying concern is the abnormal structure or function of collagen and certain allied connective tissue proteins. They are generally characterized by joint hypermobility, joint instability or subluxation and dislocations, scoliosis, and other joint deformities, skin hyperextensibility, abnormal scarring, and other structural weakness such as hernias and organ prolapse through the pelvic floor. In the rarer types of EDS, there is also a weakness of specific tissues that can lead, for example, to major gum and dental disease, eye disease, cardiac valve and aortic root disorders, and life-threatening abdominal organ, uterine, or blood vessel rupture. The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is currently classified into thirteen types. In all but the hypermobile subtype (hEDS) genetic variants have been identified as the cause of the disorder and are part of the diagnostic criteria. In today’s episode, we discuss all this and more!  We discuss: What is Hypermobility Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? What are the main mechanisms that cause it to occur? What are the various subtypes/classifications of EDS and how do we know which one it is? What do we know about the genetics and new research with EDS? How do patients with hypermobility typically present. Which providers are seeing these patients and where should the patients go to get excellent care? Guest Bio: Dr. Brianne Schroeder is originally from upstate NY where she graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2018 with a doctorate degree in Chiropractic as well as a Master's degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition. She is trained in the Webster technique (pregnancy), certified in acupuncture, and is one of the leading practitioners performing ARPneuro therapy for pain and injuries. Growing up with a connective tissue disorder herself, Dr. Schroeder has walked the same path that many of her patients have when it comes to medical experiences and struggling to be properly diagnosed. In fact, it wasn’t until her third year in chiropractic college that she was diagnosed. Ever since then, she has been on a journey to educate not only her patients, but the greater medical community about hypermobility spectrum disorders/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. She has opened her own business so that she could spend time getting to know her patients, without the restraint of insurance companies or upper management dictating care. Dr. Schroeder is also part of the International Ehlers-Danlos Allied Healthcare Practitioner Panel and the International Ehlers-Danlos Pediatric Practitioner Panel. Connect with Dr. Schroeder Website: www.hypermobilityaustin.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/hypermobilityaustin Facebook: www.facebook.com/hypermobilityaustin Twitter: www.twitter.com/hypermobility TikTok: hypermobilityaustin Connect with Dr. Akhter

Rates of Depression and Anxiety have skyrocketed especially since the start of the pandemic. More than ever, people are in need of effective tools to improve their mental health. The default tools used in our current system are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. These medications can be effective in certain situations but often come with a significant side effect profile. Moreover, this one size fits all approach to medications just doesn’t work effectively enough. Recent research has shed further light on the validity (or lack thereof) of some of the proposed mechanisms of Depression primarily that of  a serotonin deficiency. More than ever, we now need a multipronged, multidisciplinary approach to Depression and my guest today implements that model perfectly in his practice. This is an important discussion for those suffering from Depression/Anxiety and those that provide care for it. We discuss: His story and journey into the world of medicine and specifically mental health. Why the epidemic of depression is increasing. Some basics about the Neurobiology of depression and what the new research is showing specifically about Serotonin. What role SSRIs and other psych medications should have and are we overusing them? How a more holistic and integrative approach to depression can be more beneficial. Newer therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Ketamine, etc., and what benefits these can provide and what is the evidence behind them. Serotonin Meta-analysis https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0 Guest Bio: Dr. Qazi Javed is a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who is trained in integrative and herbal medicine. He has a private practice called Integrative Psychiatry Austin where his team includes a PA, Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Neuropsychologist, Nutritionist, Therapist, and Health Educator. His practice also offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Functional Medicine. His team considers their work sacred. They believe in healing rather than symptom resolution. They integrate various modalities, and work as a team to assess and then treat. They assist other people in healing themselves and this puts people in control of their own treatment choices. Connect with Dr. Javed Website: https://integrativepsychiatryaustin.com/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

As a practicing Muslim, I turn to my faith to provide a complete blueprint on how to live my life. That includes not only spirituality but also physical health and wellness. We know much of chronic disease arises from an internal imbalance oftentimes triggered by an external imbalance. Many principles of holistic and integrative medicine can help us fix these imbalances. Much of what we know in western medicine today came about due to significant advancements made in the medical sciences by Muslim physicians centuries prior. My hope through discussions like these is that Muslims today can rise up and reach the same heights in their various fields of expertise as we did in our golden age. Faith has always had a strong connection to the medical practice and my guest today, Dr. Madiha Saeed implements that wonderfully. Her book, ‘The Quran Prescription’ is an inspiring work combining the root causes of chronic disease with the solutions found in the Quran (the Muslim holy book). This is a must-listen for every Muslim out there, as well as anyone interested in taking a root cause approach to fixing their chronic disease. Guest Bio: Dr. Madiha Saeed, also known as HolisticMom, MD on social media, is a practicing board-certified integrative family physician, international speaker, and best-selling author. Her best-selling books are empowering the world towards healthier living. While suffering her own serious health problems and not getting the answers she needed, she began her quest for true healing and now helps many other patients in their journey towards better health. Dr. Saeed has four very active boys who host “The Holistic Kids’ Show” podcast and interview the biggest names in functional, holistic and integrative medicine, helping kids be empowered to live healthier. Dr. Saeed and her family have also launched The Holistic Urdu channel on Facebook, where she educates, with her family, millions in the Urdu language. This channel has gained huge attraction in a short period of time. Her Book: https://www.amazon.com/Quranic-Prescription-Unlocking-Secrets-Optimal/dp/184774161 Connect with Dr. Saeed Website: ​​https://holisticmommd.com/ Podcast: https://theholistickidsshow.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolisticMomMD Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

There is a significant mental health care epidemic going on that has only been worsened in the past few years with the COVID pandemic. Rates of anxiety and depression are sky high, not just for adults, but for adolescents and teens as well. Our current approach to mental health care places the burden of care upon Psychiatrists and therapists and the truth is there just aren’t enough people to meet the incredible demand out there. When Psychiatrists or other mental health care professionals are seeing patients, there are often not able to do so in a holistic and collaborative way - an approach that will ultimately benefit the patient more. This type of a model with better access to care is so necessary and the topic of my discussion today with Dr. Hani Talebi. We discuss: His story and journey into the world of mental health. The growing epidemic of mental health problems and what factors may be contributing to it. What our current models in Psychiatry and Psychology get right when treating depression/anxiety and where they fall short. How a more holistic model of care that incorporates physical medicine with mental health can improve our treatment of it. Social media - a force for good or increasing our mental health problems? Thoughts on the huge amounts of money being poured into mental health funding and what impact it's having. Guest Bio: Dr. Hani Talebi is a licensed psychologist and specialist in school psychology with focused experience in pediatric psychology. Dr.Talebi is an affiliate faculty member in the UT Austin Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a courtesy affiliate faculty member in the UT Austin Department of Pediatrics and the UT Austin Department of Educational Psychology. In his role as Senior Vice President of Health Systems Integration, Dr. Talebi’s work focuses on advancing collaborative care and measurement-based care in primary care and health system settings. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he has served in a variety of roles including Director of Pediatric Psychology at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Director of Psychological Services at Del Valle Independent School District, Director of Clinical Programming in various community mental health centers, and as a clinical/consultative leader in the private sector. Dr.Talebi’s administrative efforts at the juncture of the medical and mental health models have resulted in innovative program development, various quality improvement initiatives and fiscally sustainable service provision platforms across milieus. Connect with Dr. Talebi Website: ​​https://mmhpi.org/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drom

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rates are continually rising. Nearly 1 in 36 school-aged children are affected. Currently, we look at Autism Spectrum as a psychological condition and base therapies around that model but a newer and better model looks at ASD through a biomedical approach, in other words looking at the whole body and how it affects the brain. Many scientific studies now point to the connection between the digestive system and the brain and indeed many kids with Autism have gut inflammation and IBS symptoms. Sure enough, their behavioral and cognitive problems improve when their gut symptoms are treated. Dr. Gutierrez wrote a book on this biomedical approach to Autism called, “The Parent’s Roadmap to Autism” (linked below). This is the newer approach we discuss in today’s podcast. All parents who have a child on the spectrum need to hear this discussion. We discuss: Dr. Gutierrez’s journey into pediatrics and specifically Functional Medicine. The increasing epidemic of ASD and what factors are contributing. Current conventional approaches to ASD and where they fall short. Looking at ASD as a medical disorder & and how we can approach patients practically. The 5 core areas of focus Dr. Gutierrez mentions in her book i.e. genes, gut health, toxins, immunity, nutrition. Guest Bio: Dr. Emily Gutierrez is the chief scientific medical liaison and formulator for Neuro Nutrients and has over a decade of clinical experience managing patients in her busy practice with Neuronutrition Associates, one of the first pediatric-focused functional medicine practices opened in the United States. Gutierrez received her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University with a focus in translational medicine as a doctor of nursing practice. She received her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Dr. Gutierrez is also board certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine, board certified as a clinical nutritionist, and board certified as a primary care mental health specialist. In addition to actively managing patients in her private practice in Austin, Texas, she also is adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University where she lectures on integrative and functional medicine. Gutierrez has published in the peer-reviewed literature multiple times, however, one of her favorite accomplishments was publishing the first chapter on integrative and functional medicine in a textbook for primary care providers. Dr. Gutierrez continues to be an active researcher, writer, and speaker, and her passion for formulating science-based nutrient compounds that meet the strictest standards of quality and efficacy continues to be her favorite tool in managing patients. Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Roadmap-Autism-Functional-Medicine-ebook/dp/B07MJ9V3RX Article Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35055151/ Connect with Dr. Gutierrez Website: neuronnutrients.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuronutritionassociates/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com

Oftentimes, inflammation lies at the heart of chronic disease. Those people suffering from a chronic illness or symptoms have ongoing inflammation due to various factors and for certain patients, many treatment modalities do not help them. This segment of the patient population suffering from chronic disease often has Limbic system impairment which means the sympathetic nervous system is dominant, inhibiting bodily systems from functioning at optimal capacity. For these individuals, brain or nervous system retraining is necessary, helping to facilitate a parasympathetic reset allowing healing to take place. The parasympathetic system helps us enter a state of rest-and-digest, through which we can make positive changes to our brains that result in greater health, diminishing symptoms, and increased resilience to stress. Recent scientific research has discovered that the brain is constantly experiencing new neural activity throughout our entire lives. This concept is known as neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change, re-organize, and adapt. It is at the core of Lindsay’s mission. We discuss: Lindsay’s health journey with chronic disease and what led her to focus on brain retraining. What is Limbic System impairment and brain retraining and how this is done. How to approach patients with difficult-to-treat chronic conditions that aren’t improving. How to understand neuroplasticity, in other words, making changes to your brain. Guest Bio: Lindsay Mitchell is the founder of Vital-Side, a membership program that empowers those with chronic illness and limbic system impairment to retrain their brain out of the chronic stress response so they can get relief from their symptoms and find freedom in their lives. Her training in medicine as a physician assistant, work as an NLP practitioner, and experience having recovered from Lyme disease makes her uniquely qualified to assist others in learning how to shift their response and experience positive changes to their symptoms. You can find free brain training tips & tools on Instagram @myvitalside or join her Membership at www.vital-side.com. Connect with Lindsay Website: https://vital-side.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalside/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalside/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VitalSide Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalside Twitter: https://twitter.com/myvitalside Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Naltrexone is a medication approved for use by the FDA since 1984 for the treatment of opioid and alcohol addiction. It is usually used at a dosage of around 50-150 mg for that indication, however when used at a Low Dose such as 0.5 mg to 4.5 mg, it can be very effective in treating other conditions such as autoimmune disorders, chronic pain and even certain cancers. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is currently more popularly used in the alternative/functional medicine world, however given its cost-effectiveness, safety and science based evidence, it should be utilized more frequently in more mainstream medicine. This show aims to create more awareness around the use of LDN.  We discuss:  What is LDN and what conditions is it effective for?  Some of the history and research behind LDN.  What is the mechanism behind LDN use and the different receptors present in our body?  Optimal dosages and potential side effects.  What are the hesitations mainstream medicine has around LDN use and how we can overcome them?  Some interesting research on LDN being used for Stage 4 cancer, especially pancreatic cancer. Book on LDN https://www.amazon.com/Low-Dose-Naltrexone-LDN-Therapy/dp/1977098487/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2K7I262N68TGE&keywords=LDN+yoon+hang+kim&qid=1660934673&sprefix=ldn+yoon+hang+kim%2Caps%2C393&sr=8-1 Review Paper on LDN https://www.yoonhangkim.com/_files/ugd/989c76_d02e148980704b6db5e74069eac349ab.pdf LDN online resources: https://ldnresearchtrust.org/ Dr. John Kim is board-certified in Preventive Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, and Integrative Medicine. He completed fellowship training in Integrative Medicine with Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona. He is currently the medical director of an integrative medicine practice in San Antonio which provides Primary Care, Acupuncture, Craniosacral therapy and Integrative Medicine consultations. He is also actively developing and implementing an integrative pain management program. He has extensive knowledge and experience using Low Dose Naltrexone which is the topic of our conversation today. Connect with Dr. Kim: Website: https://www.directintegrativecare.com/ Email: info@directintegrativecare.com

Trauma is something many people suffer from - not necessarily physically but psychologically after a stressor or series of stressors. We become traumatized when our ability to respond to a perceived threat is in some way overwhelmed. Many people have significant physical manifestations from this which results in seeking care from Physicians or other providers like mental health professionals. Patients are often not able to find effective ways to address and heal from their trauma and providers often lack the skills needed to heal this trauma. With this conversation, hopefully, we can bring more effective knowledge and strategies around trauma. We discuss: The basics of the central and peripheral nervous system as well as the autonomic nervous system. How trauma manifests physically. What types of patients we are seeing presenting to healthcare professionals. What are some effective modalities in healing trauma. What the biggest barriers are for people trying to access good mental health care resources. Guest Bio Elexia Gonzalez Lowe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist in the Austin area. She has an eclectic work history spanning over 18 years of experience including community outreach, organizing, and direct practice work with refugees, asylees, immigrants, and survivors of interpersonal violence. She practices radically open Dialectical Behavior therapy or RODPT and brain spotting. As the daughter of an Asian immigrant and as a 1.5-generation biracial, Asian-American, Elexia has experienced first-hand the challenges of accessing resources and inclusion in culturally-relevant services. Connect with Elexia https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/texas/austin/elexia-gonzalez-lowe Phone number: (512) 270-1470 Email: contact@jeonghealingtherapy.com Connect with Dr. Akhter: Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the number one cause of infertility among women in the United States. It affects between 6-12% of the population or around 5 million women of reproductive age. The name can sometimes be a misnomer because it does not stress upon the insulin resistance and inflammation that underlies this condition.  In this episode, I speak with Eleni Ottalagana who is a nutritionist specializing in PCOS and herself suffered from this condition. She’d used a holistic approach to improve her health and is now helping many other women do the same. We discuss: What led her to be passionate about PCOS and specialize in it? How does PCOS present and how is it diagnosed? Why nutrients are mentioned much in the treatment of PCOS How she evaluates and approaches a patient who is struggling with PCOS Her thoughts on a lower carb diet vs. the concern for disordered eating patterns to develop What other supplements and treatment options are available for PCOS Eleni is a Registered Dietitian, she specializes in women’s health and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). More specifically, supporting women to make nutrition & lifestyle changes using holistic, integrative and functional nutrition approaches. Eleni is passionate about shifting health care for women and works to empower females when it comes to advocating for their health. Wellness isn’t just a job to her, but a way of life. She has traveled around the globe to study various diets, sustainability, plant medicine and to immerse herself in different food cultures. As an educator and professional in the wellness space, Eleni commits to providing sound and impactful nutrition education. She continues to work towards marrying the principles of healthy living and eco-conscious living through client care, online platforms and volunteer work. Connect with Eleni: Website: https://womensnutritionclinic.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WomensNutritionClinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcos.dietitian/ Connect with Dr. Akhter: Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/madinamedicineaustin Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Ulcerative Colitis affects over 1 million people in the United States. The symptoms can be debilitating and often hard to treat effectively. They can cause significant impairments in a person’s life. Often, not enough emphasis on the immune nature of Ulcerative Colitis is given and many diet and lifestyle approaches aren’t used in its treatment, but they can be extremely effective. In this episode, I speak with Cecili Eckert who is a nutritionist and who herself suffered from Ulcerative Colitis. She knows firsthand the struggles of Ulcerative Colitis from the patient side. She used a holistic approach to improve her illness and put it into remission. We discuss: Symptoms, diagnosis, and basic immune pathology of Ulcerative Colitis. Conventional approaches currently used and where they fall short. What type of nutritional and lifestyle approaches may be beneficial. How to not lose hope when struggling with this illness! Cecili is a functional Nutritionist who is extremely passionate about helping people with chronic digestive issues use natural methods (think food and lifestyle changes) to return their bodies to a state of balance and wellness. Having received a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis, she intimately understands the physical, emotional, social, and mental challenges that accompany disease and illness. She wholeheartedly believes that there are real solutions towards and hope for healing when we work with the body as opposed to against it. She uses a very individualized approach to fully understand each client's health story and creates comprehensive plans designed to help them achieve a real feeling of nourishment, wellness, and a true sense of healing. Cecili has three amazing children and a wonderful husband. She dreams of visiting as many state and national parks with her family as possible. She loves learning and reading books of all kinds. Connect with Cecili: Website: Functional Nutritionist | Revival Nutrition and Health | United States Instagram: Cecili Eckert (@cecilieckert) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Revival Nutrition and Health | Facebook Connect with Dr. Akhter: Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: info@madinamedicine.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/madinamedicineaustin Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/